Wolters Kluwer Health
may email you for journal alerts and information, but is committed
to maintaining your privacy and will not share your personal information without
your express consent. For more information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

Abstract:

In Brief:

The OCHL project was designed to examine the language and auditory outcomes of infants and preschool-age children with permanent, bilateral, mild-to-severe hearing loss and to identify factors that moderate the relationship between hearing loss and longitudinal outcomes. This introductory article provides background in the form of literature review and theoretical discussion to support the goals of the study. We propose that children who are hard of hearing experience limitations in access to linguistic input, which lead to a decrease in uptake of language exposure and an overall reduction in linguistic experience. We examine three primary factors proposed to influence access: aided audibility, duration and consistency of hearing aid (HA) use, and characteristics of caregiver input.

Abstract:

In Brief:

The primary objective of this article was to describe subject recruitment, data collection, and methods for a multicenter, longitudinal study involving young children with mild to severe hearing loss (Outcomes of Children with Hearing Loss; OCHL).

Abstract:

In Brief:

The primary objectives of this article were to examine variability in aided speech audibility across time in a group of children who wear hearing aids and to determine the factors that affect speech audibility with amplification. The current results indicated that approximately 65% of children in the study had adequate aided audibility of speech and stable hearing during the study period. Limited audibility was associated with greater degrees of hearing loss and larger deviations from prescriptive targets. Further studies will help to determine how aided audibility is necessary to affect developmental outcomes in children who are hard of hearing.

Abstract:

In Brief:

The primary objective of this study was to examine trends in hearing aid (HA) use over time for children who are hard of hearing (CHH). Additional goals included examining factors that influence longitudinal trends in HA use. The current results indicated that the majority of CHH increased HA use during the early childhood years, while a minority remained limited users or decreased usage over time. Maternal education level appears to play an important role in longitudinal trends in daily HA use.

Abstract:

In Brief:

The primary objective of this study was to examine the quantity and quality of caregiver talk directed to children who are hard of hearing. Differences were identified in the quality of caregiver talk directed to children who are hard of hearing as compared to children with normal hearing. Additionally, relationships were identified between features of caregiver talk and language outcomes for children who are hard of hearing. Child and family factors influencing caregiver talk are explored.

Abstract:

In Brief:

The primary objective of this article was to describe the influence of audibility, hearing aid use, and language abilities on speech recognition and parent ratings of auditory development for a large group of children who are hard of hearing. Our results suggest that audibility, hearing aid use, and language ability were positive predictors of parent ratings and speech recognition outcomes across the age range. The clinical implications for increasing audibility and promoting consistent hearing aid use on these outcomes are discussed.

Abstract:

In Brief:

The primary objectives of this study were to examine the language outcomes of children with mild to severe hearing loss and to test whether language growth trajectories were systematically affected by degree of hearing loss, aided audibility, age at hearing aid fit, duration of use, and amount of daily use. Children with hearing loss were delayed compared to peers with normal hearing, and the extent of delay was related to the magnitude of hearing loss. Optimized audibility was associated with better language outcomes and more rapid language growth.

Abstract:

In Brief:

The primary purpose of the epilogue article is to synthesize the key findings from the Outcomes of Children with Hearing Loss (OCHL) study by presenting a set of ten major conclusions. The conclusion statements provide a concise summary of the main results related to children’s auditory and language outcomes and factors identified as moderators of these outcomes. The second section of this article summarizes the primary clinical implications that follow from the OCHL study in relation to three questions: (1) Can we afford to be complacent about the current outcomes of children who are hard of hearing? (2) Which malleable factors can be addressed to promote success through implementation of best practices? and (3) Which non-malleable factors are consequential and what are their implications for practice? We end with some future research directions for the OCHL project.

Abstract:

In Brief:

In this brief afterword, we discuss the challenges and lessons learned in the process of implementing a multisite, longitudinal study. Some of the lessons learned by the research team are shared regarding research design and analysis, strategies implemented to reduce threats to validity, and techniques used to promote teamwork and collaboration across sites.